Free Virus Tools

Use these free tools to help troubleshoot your computer.
 

It is highly recommended to install a Virus program on your system and it is necessary to adjust the options in the program for your particular needs. For example, if you use portable media such as zip disks or floppy disks, you should set your virus program to check the disks on use. It is possible for the virus to be on your diskettes and then reinfect your computer. In other words, installing a virus program is not enough, you have to use it!

Spyware Update

Since creating this page in 2002, spyware has blossomed...like a weed! Some programs that purport to clean your system actually load spyware programs so use a trusted site for downloads like CNET or Tucows. I have a routine every week or two that consists of running the following programs:

1. AdAware

2. Tweak Now Registry Cleaner

3. CC Cleaner (I know redundant!)

4. Norton Anti-virus set to auto update

5. I also have Microsoft's Antispyware loaded

 

Before using any of the tools listed below, read the information on the homepages to make sure they do what you are looking for. Finally, knowledge is the best defense, learn what you can about viruses and watch the news for virus alerts.
 

 Description:

 Link:
  Unwanted Links is a free tool to check for spyware on your computer. Check out additional links on their page. http://www.unwantedlinks.com/
  Shields UP! allows you to check your shields and ports for vulnerabilities. This site had lots of good additional information including one of my favorites, "How to disable DoubleClick". https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
  Trend Micro's Housecall is a free virus checking program that can be run online. It may take a few minutes to initially download, but does a good job. http://housecall.antivirus.com/
  Ad-Aware SE is a free program that checks for lots of advertising and tracking programs. I use custom settings that I found at the following forum:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

CNET forum on removing trojans and using Ad-Aware
  Microsoft Windows Update Page can automatically scan your computer for any needed security updates http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
  PC Pitstop is an overall system checkup that can determine ways to improve the performance of your computer. http://www.pcpitstop.com/
 

Virus Updates and Alerts each of the sites above have virus update information. You can find the links on the homepages.

If you heard a virus alert on the news, you might want to check the website of your news source for more information

Here are a few more links

http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/security/virus/

  Microsoft Outlook Vulnerabilities: don't preview e-mail attachments because viruses can launch the moment you preview them. Close Outlook's Preview pane and delete without opening any e-mail with suspicious subject lines from people whose addresses you don't recognize. Read more about Outlook at the link. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS04-009.mspx
  Virus Hoaxes are a real concern, just because you get an email saying you may have been exposed to a virus. It could be a hoax. The instructions you receive may actually have you delete files or programs that your computer actually needs. Check out any of these links to determine if your virus is genuine.

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

http://www.vmyths.com/

http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes/

  Symantec homepage--- maker of Norton http://www.symantec.com/
  McAfee homepage http://www.mcafee.com/default.asp